BAI still hoping to send shuttlers for Malaysian Open

PETALING JAYA: The Badminton Association of India (BAI) have not given up hope of sending their shuttlers to the Malaysian Open from May 25-30.

The BAI are making all possible efforts after India imposed a travel ban on its citizens due to the worsening Covid-19 situation in the world’s second most populous country.

The ban has left the participation of as many as 19 shuttlers, including Tokyo Olympics hopefuls K. Srikanth and Saina Nehwal, in limbo.

The BAI are firm in their plans to compete in the two remaining Olympic qualifiers alongside the Singapore Open from June 1-6.

A check on the Malaysian Open participation list on April 27 showed that none of the 19 shuttlers have been withdrawn.

The BAI also submitted the same entries for the Singapore Open.

In a statement last Friday, the BAI are hopeful the players would compete under sports-related activities exemptions. They added that the unavailability of direct flights can be solved by flying out from a third country.

‘’We have already submitted the travel documents of our players and officials. Though there is a ban on the issuing of visa for Indian nationals, it is still available under certain terms and conditions, like sports-related travel activities.

“We are in touch with our counterparts in Malaysia and Singapore for the necessary documentations,” added the statement.

The Malaysian government, however, had made it clear that no travellers from the country, whether on official or business visit, would be allowed in the country.